Our Christian Pilgrimage tours cover a wide range of religious and historical sites within Jerusalem, in which you can relive history. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples, whilst visiting a wide range of religious locations, bringing you closer to God. Jerusalem is a very important city for Christians as many fundamental events that created the religion took place there. Here are some of the key places which hold lots of importance to the Christian Faith which will be visited on your tour.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Built in 325 AD, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. It contains chapels and altars for all denominations of the Christian faith and is beautifully decorated. The Muslim community hold the keys for the church to stop any Christian groups arguing over them. Traditionally, this is the place considered to be where Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. This is evident in Mark 15:46 'Joseph brought a linen sheet, took the body down, wrapped it in the sheet and placed it in a tomb.' Therefore, it is extremely important for Christians. In fact, it was the most important pilgrimage destination for the Christian religion until at least the 4th century. The Rotunda even contains remains of the rock from the burial cite of Jesus! |
Via Dolorosa
Often known as 'The Way of Grief' or 'Way of Tears' in Latin, Via Dolorosa is a 600m long road in the Old City of Jerusalem. It starts at the location Jesus was tried and convicted and ends at the place of Jesus' crucifixion. Via Dolorosa is believed to be the place where Jesus carried the cross on the way to his crucifixion, so is therefore the Stations of the Cross took place there. This religious site is very important to Christians as it reminds them of Jesus' sacrifice and perseverance. One scripture reference supporting Via Dolorosa is Mark 15: 21 'A man named Simon was coming into the city. He was forced by Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry the cross.' |
Golgotha
Golgotha, located just outside the City Wall, is known as 'Place of the Skull'. It is the site where Jesus was most likely crucified, making the ultimate sacrifice for Christians. We are told this in Mark: 22-24 which says 'They took Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means "The Place of the Skull." There they tried to give him wine mixed with a drug called myrrh, but Jesus would not drink it. Then they crucified him and divided his clothes among themselves.' Golgotha is a site where sins were redeemed and forgiven. This act of true love and suffering created Christianity. Therefore Golgotha is very important to Christians as it is where and why their religion was born. |
Garden Tomb
Discovered in1867, the Garden Tomb is located North of the Old City, just outside the City Walls. It is a rock cut tomb and is believed to be another place where Christ was buried and resurrected, so is considered as Holy Ground. This is a place of worship for Christians as the fundamental base events of Christianity took place here, hence its importance. The Garden tomb can be found in the scriptures Isiah: 53:8-9, Matthew 27:57-60 and Hebrews 12-13. In Matthew 27, we are old about how Joseph wraps the body in a linen cloth, places it in the tomb and rolls a great stone in front of it. |
Garden of Gethsemane
The Garden of Gethsemane is located near a busy Jericho road leading out of Jerusalem. There are numerous olive trees in the Garden dating back to 1500 years ago which is why the name means 'Place where olive oil is pressed'. The Garden of Gethsemane is the location where Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion, knowing one of his disciples would betray him. Jesus prayed to God for strength and for his death to be less painful. This is evident in Matthew 26: 39 'Take this cup of suffering from me, yet not what I want but what you want.' After praying, Judas betrays Jesus, by giving him a kiss, handing him over to the High Priests and Romans. He says 'Peace be with you teacher.' which can be found in Luke 22:39-46. |
Mount of Olives
The name 'Mount of Olives' originates from 'Olive Tree' and is located on a hill on the Eastern side of the Temple Mount. The Mount of Olives is a 3000 year old cemetery and even contains the tomb of Mary. It is a very special place to Christians as Jesus visited it numerous times throughout his life evident in Matthew 24:1-15. However, the main reason Christians visit this site is due to the fact it is the place Jesus ascended into heaven, 40 days after his resurrection. According to Acts 1:4-12 Jesus 'was taken up into heaven'. |